Shifting sands: Why our defence future lies in East, not in West

Times of Oman

29-06-2025

The recent escalating conflicts in Palestine and the wider Iran-Israel tensions have laid bare a stark reality for nations in our region: Reliance on Western arms suppliers and alliances comes with significant geopolitical strings attached, strings that consistently pull in favour of Israel.
We have seen, for instance, in the context of the Ukraine conflict, how the political will of supplying governments can dictate the terms of use, the types of targets permissible, and even the timely delivery of crucial armaments.
This raises a profound concern: Can we truly depend on weapons systems whose operational deployment might be constrained by the strategic preferences of their Western government benefactors, especially if our national interests diverge from theirs, particularly concerning Israel?
It is time for us to fundamentally reassess our defence strategy and look eastward, drawing lessons from nations like Iran in developing indigenous capabilities, particularly in advanced drone and rocket technology.
For decades, the West has positioned itself as the primary provider of advanced weaponry and security partnerships.
Yet, the unfolding crises demonstrate a clear pattern: When push comes to shove, the deep-rooted alliances between Western powers and Israel supersede any commitments to other regional partners. We have witnessed a consistent siding with Israel, often at the expense of regional stability and justice, regardless of the humanitarian consequences.
This bias is not merely a matter of policy but is intrinsically linked to the very nature of their strategic relationships and arms industries.
This predicament leaves us vulnerable. To truly safeguard our sovereignty and security, we must cultivate self-reliance.
And in this pursuit, Iran, despite its own complex geopolitical standing, offers invaluable insights, particularly in the realm of asymmetric warfare capabilities.
Sanctions and isolation have forced Iran to become a formidable innovator in drone and missile technology.
Their consistent development and deployment of increasingly sophisticated drones and precision-guided missiles, from the 'War of the Cities' to recent advancements in loitering munitions and air defense systems, demonstrate a remarkable capacity for indigenous military industrial growth.
They have not waited for external suppliers, but rather have invested heavily in reverse-engineering, research, and domestic production. This includes a robust ballistic missile programme, and advancements in systems like the Majid air defense system, designed to counter modern aerial threats.
Imagine the strength of our air defence if we were to emulate this strategic independence. By investing in our own scientific and engineering talent, establishing dedicated research and development centrrs, and fostering local manufacturing, we can build a defence apparatus tailored to our specific needs and threats, free from external influence.
This does not mean isolating ourselves, but rather diversifying our partnerships and prioritising self-sufficiency.
Going East for our defence needs also offers opportunities for more equitable partnerships.
Nations in the East, many of whom have also faced the challenges of developing independent defence capabilities, may offer more favourable terms, facilitate technology transfer, and respect our strategic autonomy.
Such collaborations would allow us to acquire necessary hardware while simultaneously building the expertise to maintain, adapt, and eventually produce our own.
Crucially, this eastward shift also opens avenues for broader strategic alignment and cooperation with nations like Iran, China, Pakistan and Russia. As these powers increasingly advocate for a multi-polar world order, their strategic interests often converge on resisting singular global hegemony and fostering a more balanced international system. For our region, aligning with these nations offers a robust counterbalance to established biases and strengthens our collective voice and security when it comes to shared regional and global challenges.
The current geopolitical climate is a wake-up call. We cannot afford to be passive recipients of security dictated by the priorities of others. The time has come to forge a new path, one that prioritizes national resilience and independent defense. By learning from the experiences of nations like Iran in developing sophisticated, homegrown drone and rocket capabilities, and by looking to the East for strategic partnerships and broader geopolitical alignment, we can secure a truly independent and robust defense for our future.